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Peppermint Pretzels

These peppermint pretzels are really simple to create, and they make terrific inexpensive gifts for the holidays.

Ingredients:

6 oz vanilla-flavored candy coating (almond bark), cut into pieces

2 tablespoons shortening

2/3 cups finely crushed peppermint candies (24 candies)

12 (8 1/2-inch) pretzel rods

Directions:

1. Line cookie sheet with waxed paper. In 2-quart saucepan, melt almond bark and shortening over low heat, stirring occasionally. Pour into 11x7-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish or other shallow dish; carefully set baking dish in hot water to keep almond bark soft (be sure not to get any water into the almond bark).

2. Place candy pieces into a sandwich bag and seal it. Put that bag into another sandwich bag (so that they are double bagged). Smash the candies into fine pieces using a hammer.

3. Sprinkle crushed candy over separate sheet of waxed paper. Dip pretzels into almond bark; allow excess to drip off (Note: if the almond bark seems too thin, you may have too much shortening in it). Immediately roll in crushed candy. Place on cookie sheet. Let stand until set (about 30 minutes).

4. Place them into a glass container with a small clear basket bag over it, or into individual clear treat bags.